Ms. Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), led the Thai delegation participating in the Committee for Scientific and Technological Policy (CSTP) Ministerial and side events taking place from 22 to 26 April 2024 in Paris, France. Organised by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) under the theme “Shared Challenges, Transformative Actions”, the forum brought together high-level science and technology representatives from more than 50 countries to discuss leveraging science, technology, and innovation to address global challenges.
During the JAPAN ASEAN High-level Roundtable on Science, Technology and Innovation, one of the side events, Minister Supamas delivered an address, emphasising the pivotal role of science, technology, and innovation in tackling challenges facing Thailand, including the middle-income trap (MIT), social disparities, technological shifts, and climate change. She highlighted the alignment between the ASEAN-Japan Plan of Action on Science, Technology and Innovation and the ASEAN Plan of Action on Science, Technology and Innovation (APASTI) 2026-2035 in fostering academic and research collaboration and knowledge exchange, reiterating Thailand’s commitment to facilitating this partnership.
In the Multistakeholder High-Level Dialogue, Minister Supamas participated in a panel discussion during the “Plenary Session – Shaping science and technology policies for our future: how to engage diverse audiences?” She shared Thailand’s initiatives in engaging the public in science and technology policies, citing Thailand’s “Policy Innovation Platform for the Better Future” as a prime example. The platform aimed to engage the public in the policy design process is scheduled to launch in August.
NXPO representatives took part in the Multistakeholder High-Level Dialogue and breakout sessions, in which NXPO President, Dr. Kitipong Promwong, emphasised Thailand’s dedication to sustainable development and achieving carbon neutrality by encouraging public engagement in responsibility and opportunities, including establishing sandbox projects in various locations. NXPO International Policy Partnership Division Director, Dr. Pranpreya Sriwannawit Lundberg, reiterated Thailand’s commitment to green transition and social inclusion through a policy innovation platform, engaging policymakers, experts, and the public in designing policies to address social, economic, and environmental challenges. The platform would gather insights from various groups, especially those gravely impacted by such challenges.
During the Ministerial Working Lunch, Dr. Kitipong shared Thailand’s vision to cultivate an ecosystem for artificial intelligence (AI) development as outlined in the Thailand National AI Strategy and Action Plan (2022 – 2027), aimed at promoting human resource development and technological advancement in AI to boost the economy and enhance quality of life.
Thailand joined OECD members and other invited countries in endorsing the Declaration on Transformative Science, Technology and Innovation Policies for a Sustainable and Inclusive Future. The declaration aims to promote international cooperation in responsible and equitable research to address to critical global challenges, such as climate change, to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and to enhance economic and social well-being.
During this period, NXPO also participated in the 124th Session of the Committee for Scientific and Technological Policy (CSTP), where Dr. Kitipong underscored Thailand’s commitment to adhering to the Declaration on Transformative Science, Technology and Innovation Policies for a Sustainable and Inclusive Future. Dr. Pranpreya provided inputs to prioritising CSTP’s work plans and budgeting and highlighted transformative science initiatives in Thailand such as the “Supporting STI Strategy for Carbon Neutrality and Transitions” project under the OECD – Thailand Country Programme Phase II (CP2). Furthermore, Dr. Pranpreya suggested deeper collaboration between the OECD and other international organisations, such as ASEAN and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), on STI policies in which Thailand can serve as a facilitator.
Following the CSTP meeting, Dr. Pranpreya and Dr. Apichat Aphaiwong, NXPO Senior Policy Specialist, held discussions with the Division of Science and Technology Policy, Directorate of Science, Technology, and Innovation, OECD, on the planning of a workshop for the “Supporting STI Strategy for Carbon Neutrality and Transitions” project. The workshop aims to assess the status of Thailand’s innovation ecosystem for Green House Gas (GHG) emission reduction in the energy, transportation, and agricultural sectors. Collaborations on the OECD S&T Policy 2025 and the European Commission (EC) – OECD Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy (STIP) Compass Platform were also discussed.
